This November 2024, West Virginians will be voting on Amendment 1, Prohibit “Medically Assisted Suicide, Euthanasia, and Mercy-Killing.”
Medical aid in dying is already illegal in West Virginia. If Amendment 1 passes, it will amend the state constitution to permanently deny terminally ill individuals the option of medical aid in dying.
The ballot measure would add a new section, Section 23, to Article III of the West Virginia Constitution. The following in blue would be added:
§3-23. Protection against medically assisted suicide.
No person, physician, or health care provider in the State of West Virginia shall participate in the practice of medically assisted suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing of a person. Nothing in this section prohibits the administration or prescription of medication for the purpose of alleviating pain or discomfort while the patient’s condition follows its natural course; nor does anything in this section prohibit the withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining treatment, as requested by the patient or the patient’s decision-maker, in accordance with State law. Further, nothing in this section prevents the State from providing capital punishment.
Faced with a terminal diagnosis, people in your state deserve the full range end-of-life care options, including medical aid in dying. Medical aid in dying allows terminally ill adults to get a prescription they can take to end their life peacefully.
The power of personal stories to inspire and drive change is undeniable. Everyone has a story, and we invite you to share yours.
Mail contributions directly to:
Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750
